Security

Basra tanker attack marks deepening crisis for Iraq oil sector

Iraq is facing a widening array of security threats and economic consequences from the Iran war.

Iraqi ports director Farhan al-Fartousi (right) conducts an inspection on March 12, 2026, of the site of an Iranian attack on oil tankers the previous night. (Photo credit: General Company for Ports of Iraq)

Apr 14, 2015

IS fighters continue Baiji refinery attacks

As the assault enters its fourth day, IS militants have punched a hole in the security perimeter of Iraq's largest refinery.

Apr 14, 2015

Baiji refinery attacks expose ongoing vulnerability

Several attacks by IS fighters over the weekend highlight the ongoing challenge of establishing the security zone needed to protect and re-start Iraq's largest refinery.

Apr 13, 2015

Baghdad seeks to assuage IOC security worries

Iraq's interior minister toured southern Iraq to promote a security plan and allay concerns over recent violence and the government's increasing dependence on militias.

Apr 7, 2015

Fields retaken from IS still offline, under attack

After being ousted from Ajil and Hamrin oil fields, IS fighters are launching deadly asymmetrical attacks that continue to cripple Iraq's northern oil sector.

Mar 29, 2015

Militias oversee spiking violence in Diyala

Shia militias who chased Islamic State militants from Diyala province are being blamed for intensifying sectarian violence, including the assassination of two aides to the governor.

Mar 23, 2015

Bomb hits Diyala pipeline to Daura refinery

A bomb exploded Sunday on an oil pipeline that carries crude from the Naft Khana oil field, in Diyala province, to Baghdad's Daura refinery.

Mar 20, 2015

Deadly tribal conflicts hit southern Iraq

Disputes between tribes in Basra and Missan turn violent as government security forces – spread thin by the fight against IS militants – struggle to restore order.

Mar 19, 2015

Truckers killed in Basra bombing

At least three people were killed by a truck bomb Wednesday in Basra province – an area that has recently been relatively insulated from such attacks.

Mar 10, 2015

Iraq fully retakes badly damaged fields

Early assessments are dire after IS militants sabotaged Ajil and Hamrin as they fled an onslaught by pro-government forces.

Mar 6, 2015

Pro-government forces take burning oil field

Hamrin set on fire as militants flee, though IS still controls Ajil, as various Iraqi forces close in around Tikrit.